Rab’s first foray into packs has caused an understandable amount of excitement and intrigue in the outdoor community. Renowned for its premium quality sleeping bags and outdoor clothing, the brand has utilised 50+ years of expertise from its sister brand, Lowe Alpine, to launch the Aeon range of daypacks that are “designed to give you freedom of movement over all terrain”. But does the kit live up to the hype? We spent a day at the Rab Lab to get to grips with the new packs and find out. Watch below and read on for all the need-to-know info before you try one for yourself.
Rab Aeon 20, 27 and 35 Packs
The rundown
Rab has designed the Aeon to be a truly versatile multi-activity pack that performs as well on a day hike as it does on a bike ride. The range comes in three sizes to suit your activity – The smallest and lightest Rab Aeon 20, the mid-size Rab Aeon 27 and the larger Rab Aeon 35.
The Aeon helps you separate your gear for both safety and convenience with its easy-access main compartment, a zipped security pocket for phones, wallets and keys, as well as three super-stretchy front pockets to stow away your water, spare layers and other essentials like a map and compass. There are also some small zipped pockets on the hip belt for small accessories like energy gels (or jelly babies).
There’s a pole attachment point for serious hikers and compression straps that help all of your belongings hold on tight as you tackle your favourite summits and trails. We were pleased to see that all three sizes of the Aeon pack come with a rain cover to keep your kit dry if the heavens open.
At the back, the Aeon’s are fitted with Rab’s Air Contour X carry system, a strong and slightly flexible structure that adapts to you as you move while promoting airflow between your back and your pack. The shoulder pads are attached for a close fit, while the Velcro adjustability ensures you can find the perfect fit before you head off on an adventure.
Both packs use a 70D by 140D nylon. If you’re not a gear geek, that means that their material is a great blend of toughness and durability while remaining lightweight. The outer shell is treated with Rab’s Trishield coating for tear and abrasion resistance. It’s also made from 50% recycled fabrics, helping you make a more sustainable choice when buying outdoor kit.
Who is it for?
The Aeon range is primarily targeted at male wearers who need a pack that will hold all of their gear safely on a day-long adventure, be it on two feet or two wheels. The 35-litre version will just about cope with an overnighter, but only if you’re packing light, while the mid-size 27L and more compact 20L are perfect for day hikes with plenty of room for spare layers, snacks and accessories.
Our verdict
During our visit to the Rab Lab, the standard Aeon range stood out as a premium all-rounder. It’s not overpopulated with features – just the ones you need – and the construction felt really solid, as you’d expect from Rab. While function is our main priority, we couldn’t help but mention the form – Rab has done a great job with the design of the Aeon Packs and has nailed the minimalist look with the simple but effective styling. Each version comes in multiple colours and all of them are available to buy at Blacks.
Is there a women’s version of the Rab Aeon Packs?
Yes, the Rab Aeon ND18, ND25 and ND33 are women’s-specific packs which come with slightly altered volumes and designs. The main difference is the narrower dimensions that suit women or those with smaller frames.
Rab Aeon LT12, LT18 and LT25 Packs
The rundown
The Rab Aeon LT range is the smaller, lighter sibling of the standard Aeon pack that’s designed for non-stop, fast-paced adventures in the mountains. Just like its bulkier big brother, it comes in a choice of three sizes – the super-light Rab Aeon 12, the mid-size Rab Aeon 18 and the larger Rab Aeon 25.
The Aeon LT shares a lot of similarities to the standard Aeon, with a large zipped main compartment for bulkier items, a smaller zipped pocket for valuables and a big stash pocket on the front.
The main design difference that affects the performance of the pack is the vest-inspired carry system. It’s super close-fitting for comfort and stability when moving at pace. The shoulder straps and hip belt are ergonomically designed to give you the most convenient access to your kit on the move. There’s a zipped pocket on the strap big enough for a phone and a stretch pocket for smaller hydration flasks like the Rab Softflask.
The side pockets are integrated with the hipbelt, shedding weight and giving you easier access to your water or energy snacks. On one side is a large stash big enough for larger items, while the other side is divided into a bottle stash and a smaller mesh pocket for compact accessories.
The LT accommodates traditional walking poles as well as Z poles for trail athletes and ultralight hikers thanks to the bungee system on the hip belt. It also has a softer, more flexible back panel designed for more intense movement.
Who is it for?
The Aeon LT is a better choice for trail runners, fast packers, cyclists and anyone who wants to move quickly in the mountains. It’s also a good choice if you’re just looking for a lightweight piece of storage kit that won’t weigh you down but still has all the capacity you need for a day in the outdoors. However, if you’re planning a multi-day expedition, we’d avoid the LT as it won’t have room for all the gear you’ll need to take.
Our verdict
We awarded the Aeon LT top marks for its compact design that still manages to cram in all of the storage essentials. We love the pop of the bright orange colourway and agree that, together with the standard Aeon and Aeon ND packs, Rab has produced a range of daypacks that nail the brief for multi-purpose adventuring. It’s clear that Rab have prioritised comfort and even when crammed full, the Aeon LT’s maintain a stable and comfortable carry. All of the colourways and sizes are available at Blacks, so you can find the perfect carry companion for your future adventures.
Is Rab a good brand for rucksacks?
While Rab packs are new to the market, the brand has decades of experience under its hip belt with its sister brand, Lowe Alpine. It has put all that know-how into the Aeon range and combined it with the ever-popular branding of Rab. Based on our visit to the Rab Lab, we’re convinced it’s a winning combination!
Rab is also one of the leading brands in the outdoor industry when it comes to promoting sustainability, and it has committed to becoming a net zero emissions company by 2030. You can find out more about Rab’s sustainability journey by checking out our conversation with its CSR coordinator, Hayden.
